Fort Bragg has long been a part of the Fayetteville community, and Mayor Mitch Colvin is remembering 1stLt. Tyler Feehan and Staff Sgt. Michael Swinton, two soldiers from the neighboring military base who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. conflict with Iran.
“On behalf of the City of Fayetteville, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones and fellow service members of First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan and Sergeant Michael Swinton, who lost their lives while serving our nation,” Colvin said in a news release. “There are no words for a loss like this. These two brave service members dedicated themselves to something greater than themselves, serving our nation with courage and honor. Both soldiers were members of the Fort Bragg community, and their loss is felt deeply throughout Fayetteville and the surrounding region.
“Sergeant Swinton was from Fayetteville, and we hold his family, friends and all who knew him close in our hearts during this painful time. I hope both families know they are not grieving alone. Our community stands beside them with compassion, gratitude and unwavering support. First Lieutenant Feehan and Sergeant Swinton are heroes. We will remember their names, honor their lives and never forget their sacrifice,” Colvin said.
Feehan, 25, who served with the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment under the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command on Fort Bragg, was killed July 18 during an enemy attack at an airbase in Jordan. Swinton, who was assigned to D Battery, 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade on Fort Bragg, was killed July 19 at Erbil Air Base in Iraq.
The Downtown Alliance hosted the inaugural class of 64 medical students from the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine for a “Taste of Downtown” on July 23 ArtsXL on Burgess Street. They later visited local restaurants and businesses. “This is about more than introducing them to places to eat and shop,” Elaine Kelly, an alliance board member, said. “We want these new students to feel welcomed, begin building a connection to downtown, and see it as part of their new community.” Colvin and Cumberland County Commissioner Pavan Patel were among downtown business owners on hand to greet the students.
“I wanted you to know your piece on Johnnie Evans was endearing,” Judy Chavis wrote about my July 29 column about Evans. The former Cumberland County commissioner and Vander farmer died July 23 at age 85. “It had the Kirby touch.” I tend to find myself doing too many remembrance columns, Mrs. Chavis, but I don’t write about those we’ve lost because they died. I write about those we have lost because they lived.
“Very nice story about Terry Sanford’s golf team,” former Fayetteville resident Neil Buie wrote about my July 26 column regarding Nate Horne, Walker Worth IV, Hughes McCarthy, Charlie Horne, and Ryan Hedgecoe leading Coach Jeff Morehead’s team to the 2026 PGA High School Boys Golf National Invitational title on July 18-19 at the No. 5 and No. 6 courses at Pinehurst Resort. “They are young, their backs are limber, they have no fear, and they return nine players to next year’s team. I’ll take the over for a repeat state championship.”
“Bill, I have mentored Hughes, Nate, Ryan, and Walker since they were 12- and 13-years-old,” Todd Harris wrote in an email about the Terry Sanford High School golfers. “I have been waiting since they won the National Invitation Championship for a great and thorough article to arrive to capture their historic season. You did it… wow. Awesome job and thank you.”
Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers has earned the 2025 Productivity Award for an area with a population of 300,000 to 400,000 by the Southeastern Crime Stoppers Association. “For over four decades, Crimestoppers has succeeded because of the strong partnership between our residents, local businesses and law enforcement,” Duncan Hubbard, president of the local organization’s board, said in a news release. “Every anonymous tip helps keep our neighborhoods safe, and this award is a testament to what our community can achieve when we work together.” Residents are encouraged to submit anonymous crime tips online or by calling 910-483-8477. Crimestoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous information leading to an arrest.
Coming Sunday: An adventurous soldier with stories to tell.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
